How to Plan for a Website Redesign

Each touch point is an opportunity to make an impact with your audience and this is especially true on the web. In fact, you have about 5 seconds to make your first impression. Is your website providing the best possible experience? Maybe it’s time to consider a website redesign.

Redesigning your website can be a daunting task with so much to consider. It requires a lot of up-front strategy and planning. If you are unsure where to start with your web redesign or refresh, here are some quick tips:

Identify your Audience

Your website can’t be all things to all people. Knowing your primary target audience will allow you to get specific with your content, user experience, design aesthetic and more.

Analytics

Assessing your Google Analytics (or other web analytic tool) provides vital insight to how your current website is being used. How are users coming to your website? How long are they staying on certain pages? Which pages are getting low or no traffic? This awareness should inform your content strategy and information architecture.

Content

Content is the foundation of the web. You might want a slick, beautiful website, but if the content doesn’t make sense and prompt your audience to action then all you have is a pretty facade. Start by taking an inventory of your content and web pages. Ask yourself these questions and take action:

Do we need this page?

Does the content make sense to the specific audience?

What features or functionality will be helpful for users on each page?

Does it provide a clear call to action?

Do all the remaining web pages tell a concise story with the same voice?

Once your content inventory is complete, you will have a solid foundation to build on and can begin writing or editing your web page content. Your completed content inventory can easily be molded into a logical information architecture.

Design Research

With a foundation under your feet, you can stand tall and take a look at the competition. Where can you find a competitive advantage? How can your website differentiate itself? How can it be easier to use? Can you leverage any new user experience trends to set yourself apart? How can your design aesthetic connect with your audience?

These are just a few tips to help you think through your website redesign. If your website could use a refresh, we can help lead you through an analysis of your current website and outline a strategy for change tailored to your needs, timeline and budget.